For the first time in nearly five years, a lot of Sheffield United fans are finding it difficult to be optimistic.
Without a win in the Premier League this season, the feel-good factor has well and truly gone at the moment for a lot of Blades.
Of course, not being able to go to games is a contributing factor, with fans forced to get their footballing debate fix through social media platforms, websites, or good old Whatsapp chats with friends.
At the moment, relegation is a distinct possibility. It would be a huge shame to see, given how good we were last season. But, if it happens, it happens, and the club is being run well enough to not head into massive trouble.
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However, let’s not think about that for now. There’s a week to go until we are back in action, with a very winnable game against West Ham at Bramall Lane to look forward to.
Furthemore, things aren’t as bleak as some might make out. With that, then, here are FIVE reasons Sheffield United fans should still be optimistic.
The next ten games should yield points
Yes, there are some tough games coming up. Most Premier League games are difficult anyway. But you have to look at possible points and even Wilder has said the next ten could define our campaign.
Within the next ten, we play the likes of West Ham, Brighton, West Brom, Burnley, Crystal Palace, and Newcastle. There are points to be had there and points we need to get if we are to stay up.
Even the tougher games on paper see Man United visit Bramall Lane and the in-form Leicester. Both teams beat us if they play to their best but at home, you just never know.
Key players returning from injury
There is no getting away from the fact we are missing Jack O’Connell. Everyone knew how big he’d be but few could predict just how much a gap he’d leave in our XI.
Other positions have suffered, too. However, there is positive news.
John Fleck should be back, while Lys Mousset is nearing a return. Both players were integral last season. Meanwhile, Enda Stevens should get a welcomed rest after pulling out of Ireland duty, while Rhian Brewster has another few weeks to get more fitness and game time with the England under-21s.
Those player will make a huge difference to the squad depth and should give everyone around the training ground a boost.
Some other teams are also looking a bit rubbish!
Obviously, all we can do is focus on ourselves but you can’t overlook the fact that the bottom five between them have just two wins all season.
Brighton and Fulham have both registered one win apiece, while Burnley and West Brom, like us, have yet to get three points.
That should give United a boost. We have more than enough to better those teams and if it comes down to a scrap between the five for survival, Chris Wilder should be able to get enough from us to stay up.
McGoldrick has found his touch
In a bizarre turn of events, David McGoldrick has done a full 180 and is now seemingly the only striker capable of scoring a goal at the moment.
That has to be a positive, as is his decision to step away from playing for the Republic of Ireland. It gives ‘Didsy’ more time at The Lane, more time to keep fresh, and should ensure we get the best of him.
Granted, his performances haven’t matched those of last season. But nobody in the squad has done that so if McGoldrick can get back to his best and keep the goals going in, it will be a massive plus point.
January is only 2 months away!
Look, we all know the summer window was decent without being spectacular. The squad was added to but the first XI hasn’t really improved that much, especially with the injuries we’ve had.
However, January is weirdly just around the corner. Wilder will have to bring someone in for O’Connell, while a creative midfielder or a John Lundstram replacement will be a must.
If we have some points on the board and look like being ok, the board should once again give Wilder some funds in order to ensure we do guarantee a third season in the Premier League.
